Work underway on three observatories

Vietnamese and US scientists yesterday began work on building three geological observatories to monitor changes on the earth's surface. The observatories are being built in HCM City's suburban district of Can Gio. The technicians will conduct more research into the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta region to set up more observatories in the near future. The stations are being built under a project signed by HCM City National University and the US Geological Agency to carry out joint research aimed at mitigating the impacts of global warming and rising sea levels.

Tuoi Tre (Youth)

Loggers destroy 220ha of forest in Dac Nong

Forest rangers in the Central Highlands province of Dac Nong have found 220ha of primary forests destroyed in 274 cases of illegal logging in the first six months of this year, according to the provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Department.

With 104ha destroyed, Tuy Duc District suffered the biggest loss, while Dac Song, Krong No and Dac Glong districts lost more than 20ha each.

The rangers seized 447.7cubic metre of wood, but it was not clear whether the loggers were apprehended.

Nhan Dan (The People)

Highlands province builds hospital

Construction of an 800-bed public general hospital began on Monday in Buon Ma Thuat Town, capital of the Central Highlands province of Dac Lac.

The VND1.1 trillion (US$57.8 million) hospital is expected to open in 2013. Local officials said that patients suffering from serious ailments in the province and surrounding areas will be able to access the latest treatment at the new hospital instead of travelling to HCM City.

Nguoi Lao Dong (The Labourer)

Investments soar in HCM City industrial parks

Investment capital into HCM City's Industrial Parks (IPs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) reached US$319.55 million in the first half of this year, 76 per cent higher than the same period last year. Foreign investment accounted for $99.11 million of this amount.

Enterprises in the city's IPs and EPZs reported export revenues of $1.6 billion in the first six months of this year for a year-on-year increase of 34 per cent.

Thoi Bao Kinh Te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times)